Age of exploration

Definition

The age of exploration refers to a period from the late 15th century to the early 17th century when European powers embarked on extensive overseas exploration, driven by the pursuit of trade routes, wealth, and new territories. This era significantly influenced global trade patterns, cultural exchanges, and the introduction of new ingredients and culinary practices across continents, notably herbs and spices that became integral to European cuisines.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the age of exploration, European nations like Spain and Portugal were at the forefront, using advances in navigation and shipbuilding to reach new lands.
2. Herbs and spices from Asia became highly sought after in Europe, leading to increased demand that fueled exploration efforts as countries sought direct access to these valuable commodities.
3. The introduction of new herbs and spices transformed European cooking by adding unique flavors and preserving foods, altering culinary practices permanently.
4. Explorers like Vasco da Gama and Christopher Columbus opened up new trade routes that connected Europe with Asia and the Americas, leading to an exchange of ingredients that enriched European diets.
5. The competition for control over spice trade routes often resulted in conflicts between European powers, significantly shaping geopolitical dynamics during this period.

Review Questions

• How did the age of exploration impact European cuisine with regard to herbs and spices?
  • The age of exploration dramatically changed European cuisine by introducing a variety of herbs and spices that were previously unknown or unavailable. As explorers returned with goods from Asia and the Americas, ingredients like pepper, vanilla, and cinnamon began to influence cooking styles. This influx not only enhanced flavors but also led to new preservation methods and culinary techniques that are still used today.
• Evaluate the role of mercantilism in driving the age of exploration and its influence on the herb and spice trade.
  • Mercantilism played a crucial role in propelling the age of exploration as European nations sought to increase their wealth through trade. By establishing colonies and gaining direct access to sources of herbs and spices in Asia, these nations aimed to dominate the lucrative spice trade. The competition for these resources led to significant investments in exploration efforts, shaping economic policies and prompting conflicts among emerging European powers.
• Assess how the Columbian Exchange influenced culinary practices in Europe during and after the age of exploration.
  • The Columbian Exchange had a profound impact on culinary practices in Europe by introducing not only herbs and spices but also a variety of staple foods like tomatoes, potatoes, and corn. This exchange diversified diets across Europe, encouraging the adaptation of new cooking techniques and flavor profiles. As ingredients from different continents merged into European cuisines, it marked a significant shift towards a more global culinary landscape that continues to evolve today.

Related terms

Columbian Exchange: The widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, diseases, and ideas between the Americas and the Old World following Columbus's voyages.

Mercantilism: An economic theory that emphasizes the importance of accumulating wealth through trade, often leading to competition among European nations for resources and trade routes during the age of exploration.

Spice Trade: The trade of valuable spices such as pepper, cinnamon, and cloves that drove European nations to explore new territories and establish trade routes to Asia.